5 Answers

Here is a common problem. You apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but then Social Security tells you that your spouse is making too much money for you to be eligible.

How much is too much? To be eligible for Social Security your countable income has to be less than the Federal Benefit Rate(FBR).

In 2011, the FBR is $674 per month for individuals, and $1,011 per month for couples. The FBR has stayed the same for the last three years (2011, 2010, and 2009). Normally, there is an annual change to the FBR. In 2008, the FBR was $637 per month for individuals, and $956 per month for couples. This page lists the Federal Benefit Rates back to 1998.

So, your spouse has to be making less than these amounts to keep you eligible for SSI benefits. At least, that is the best answer I am able to find to this surprisingly tricky question.

by Tomasz Stasiuk

12 years ago. Rating: 8
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